6.9.23 – Kim Komando – Current Tech News

“What Are ‘Deepfakes’?”

By Kim Komando

Excerpts from this article: https://links.newsletters.komando.com/e/evib?_t=a82899456f054d88b14868a211fcef2c&_m=f03060172b95494eb20efb9c3539b6de&_e=Uy07VwqxyjgEqYFquaSWzTyRoRD_0AARxCDzBhmUX7ChIOY7vvw9ZofNWObieE8A

Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. What are “deepfakes?”

Special computer programs can make videos or pictures look like they show someone saying or doing something, but it's not real. It can make someone’s face look like it’s on another person’s body or make them say things they never really said.

These computer programs can make it seem like someone famous, like a celebrity or a politician, is doing or saying things they didn't actually do or say. These are called deepfakes. And this brings me to Ron DeSantis’ recent attack ad against Donald Trump.

FIRST, A WORD BETWEEN YOU AND ME

This next presidential campaign is going to be loaded with deepfakes. Don’t even think about dropping me a line saying, “Oh, Kim, you’re only reporting this 'cause you hate Trump” or “I knew it, you’re a Trump lover.”

I’m like the U.N. here. Put your politics aside so I can tell you what’s going on with AI and deepfakes. This isn't about politics. It’s me trying to make you tech aware and smart. Got it?

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

This week, the “DeSantis War Room” account on Twitter shared a video with lots of examples of Trump’s support of Anthony Fauci — you know, former White House chief medical advisor.

Woven in with authentic clips of Trump and Fauci are six images of the two together. Now, half of those images are fake and AI-generated. What they show never happened. But the video sure makes it look as if it did.

AFP Fact Check was the first to spot the fakes. Let’s take a look at the tells:

  • The fakes don’t bring up any results in reverse image searches. You can bet any real pics of Trump will appear across many sites.
  • The images are strangely glossy and blurry. (Take a look at their hair and skin.)
  • Their poses and the way they're positioned together look weird and unnatural.
  • The White House briefing room and signs in the background are off, too. Look at the nonsense text on one of the signs.

HOW CAN YOU SPOT DEEPFAKES?

OK, it's easy to see those fakes now that we've reviewed the details. But what about next time you run into something strange online?

  • Try the reverse image search trick. From your computer, right-click the pic in your browser, then choose “Search image with Google.” A big red flag is if you can’t find it being posted by any other reputable source.
  • AI has a notoriously hard time getting hands right. Count the fingers — seriously.
  • Look closely at skin and hair, too. Anything too smooth, shiney or blurry should make you think twice.
  • Do a gut check. Does it feel real? There’s often an unexplainable but odd quality to AI images.

✅ This is important stuff, no matter your politics. Don’t be that person sharing deepfake images and news. Share this story to help the people in your life spot fakes, too.

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